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Eric.ed.gov – The Green Bean Has to Be Longer than Your Thumb: An Observational Study of Preschoolers’ Math and Science Experiences in a Garden

eric.ed.gov har udgivet: School gardening has become increasingly popular as a context for learning in which children construct new knowledge, learn cultural and societal values related to ecological awareness, and develop and practice authentic or real-world skills (Blair, 2009; Bowker & Tearle, 2007). The present research was a longitudinal case study of children’s gardening experiences at a Reggio-inspired preschool in the United States. Eleven children and their teacher were observed over nine days in various activities such as preparing the garden beds, planting, and harvesting. Through sustained participation in a variety of gardening activities, preschoolers engaged in science-rich dialogue utilizing complex and abstract science process skills such as observing, predicting, evaluating, and comparing. Discussion of number-related concepts, spatial orientation, and size estimation and comparison was also recurrent during gardening activities.… Continue Reading

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Eric.ed.gov – Improving Mathematics Learning by Integrating Curricular Activities with Innovative and Developmentally Appropriate Digital Apps: Findings from the Next Generation Preschool Math Evaluation

eric.ed.gov har udgivet: This paper describes findings from a blocked randomized design (BRD) field study conducted to examine the “Next Generation Preschool Math” (NGPM) program’s implementation in preschool classrooms and promise in improving young children’s mathematic learning. NGPM integrates traditional preschool activities with developmentally appropriate technology to support teaching and learning. During development, an evidence-based curriculum design framework and iterative development processes were employed (i.e. design-based research). Research questions guiding this research include: (1) Does experiencing NGPM impact young children’s mastery of subitizing and equipartitioning?; (2) Can the NGPM units feasibly be implemented in preschool classrooms?; (3) Does experiencing the NGPM unit 1 impact young children’s mastery of subitizing?; (4) Does experiencing the NGPM unit 2 impact young children’s mastery of equipartitioning?; and (5) Does experiencing the NGPM intervention improve… Continue Reading

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Eric.ed.gov – “MyTeachingPartner–Math/Science” Pre-Kindergarten Curricula and Teacher Supports: Associations with Children’s Mathematics and Science Learning

eric.ed.gov har udgivet: “MyTeachingPartner–Math/Science” (“MTP-MS”) is a system of two curricula (math and science) plus teacher supports designed to improve the quality of instructional interactions in pre-kindergarten classrooms and to scaffold children’s development in mathematics and science. The program includes year-long curricula in these domains, and a teacher support system (web-based supports and in-person workshops) designed to foster high-quality curricular implementation. This study examined the impacts of the intervention on the development of mathematics and science skills of 444 children during pre-kindergarten, via school-level random assignment to two intervention conditions (“Basic: MTP-M/S” mathematics and science curricula, and “Plus: MTP-M/S” mathematics and science curricula plus related teacher support system) and a Business-as-Usual control condition (“BaU”). There were intervention effects for children’s knowledge and skills in geometry and measurement as well as… Continue Reading

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Eric.ed.gov – 5 Evidence-Based Recommendations for Teaching Math to Young Children

eric.ed.gov har udgivet: Children have a natural interest in math, and the "Teaching Math to Young Children" practice guide (ED544376) aims to help teachers capitalize on that interest to make children's preschool and school experience more engaging and beneficial. In this practice guide summary, readers will find: (1) An overview of the guide's five practical, evidence-based recommendations; (2) Examples of innovative tools and strategies teachers can use in their classrooms; and (3) A brief discussion of the evidence that supports the guide's recommendations. Link til kilde

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Eric.ed.gov – Teachers’ Mathematics Education and Readiness Beliefs, and Kindergarteners’ Mathematics Learning

eric.ed.gov har udgivet: This study investigates kindergarten children’s mathematics learning with a focus on the role of teachers’ mathematics education and readiness beliefs, and home learning environment. Using structural equation modeling to estimate the individual differences in early mathematics learning, data from 5,845 kindergarteners was evaluated. Findings show that teachers’ beliefs regarding what is important for children’s preparation in mathematics selectively influenced what they taught in the classrooms for mathematics education and what children experienced in kindergarten. The results also reveal that children who were provided ample experiences in reading and singing activities at home, and more frequent math learning practices, problem-solving activities, and arts or life-related materials within the classroom showed greater math thinking skills and higher math achievement scores than those who were not provided such experiences. More… Continue Reading

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Eric.ed.gov – Changing the Developmental Trajectory in Early Math through a Two-Year Preschool Math Intervention

eric.ed.gov har udgivet: There is a national need for effective interventions to improve school readiness and subsequent achievement in mathematics for students from low-income families. The purpose of this study was to implement and evaluate a 2-year preschool math intervention that began at preschool entry when children were 3 years of age and continued through the end of the pre-kindergarten (pre-K) year. Three principal objectives will be addressed in this presentation: (1) to evaluate the efficacy of a math curriculum for 3-year-olds implemented in the pre-pre-kindergarten (pre-pre-K) year of preschool; (2) to compare the impact of a 2-year math intervention (implemented during pre-pre-K and pre-K years) with a 1-year math intervention (PK) or a business-as-usual control condition on children’s mathematical knowledge at the end of preschool; and (3) to examine… Continue Reading

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Eric.ed.gov – Fostering Early Math Comprehension: Experimental Evidence from Paraguay

eric.ed.gov har udgivet: Research indicates that preschool children need to learn pre-math skills to build a foundation for primary- and secondary-level mathematics. This paper presents the results from the early stages of a pilot mathematics program implemented in Cordillera, Paraguay. In a context of significant gaps in teacher preparation and pedagogy, the program uses interactive audio segments that cover the entire preschool math curriculum. Since Paraguayan classrooms tend to be bilingual, the audio and written materials use a combination of Spanish and Guaraní. Based on an experimental evaluation since the program’s implementation, we document positive and significant improvements of 0.16 standard deviations in standardized test scores. The program helped narrow learning gaps between low- and high-performing students, and between students with trained teachers and those whose teachers lack formal training… Continue Reading

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Eric.ed.gov – Myths of Early Math

eric.ed.gov har udgivet: Myths about early education abound. Many beliefs people hold about early math have a grain of truth in them, but as a whole are not true–they are largely myths. But the myths persist, and many harm children. In this article, we address ubiquitous math myths that may be negatively affecting many young students. We conclude that avoiding the myths and listening to the findings of research and the wisdom of expert practice will serve both teachers and children well. Link til kilde